PRINCE.The thieves have bound the true men. Now, could thou and I rob the thieves, and go merrily to London, it would be argument for aweek, laughter for a month, and a good jest for ever.

POINTZ.Stand close: I hear them coming.

[They retire.]

[Re-enter Falstaff, Gadshill, Bardolph, and Peto.]

FAL.Come, my masters, let us share, and then to horse before day.An the Prince and Pointz be not two arrant cowards, there's noequity stirring: there's no more valour in that Pointz than in a

wild duck.

[As they are sharing, the Prince and Poins set upon them.]

PRINCE.Your money!

POINTZ.Villains!

[Falstaff, after a blow or two, and the others run away, leaving the booty behind them.]

PRINCE.Got with much ease. Now merrily to horse:The thieves are scatter'd, and possess'd with fearSo strongly that they dare not meet each other;Each takes his fellow for an officer.Away, good Ned. Fat Falstaff sweats to death,And lards the lean earth as he walks along:Were't not for laughing, I should pity him.